Last night at the city hospital, after a long illness, occurred the death of Mrs. Harlan Dawson, death resulting from a complication of heart troubles. Immediately upon the news of the death being heard Dr. and Mrs. Roberts asked the relatives of deceased to remove the remains to their home on Washington street, until the funeral was held, which was done. The relatives consist of Rev. Williams, father of the deceased, of Cohoes, N.Y., Robert, a brother of the deceased, who is attending school at Des Moines, the husband, who is in St. Louis, and his family of Washington, Iowa. Although Mrs. Dawson has been ill for some time, yet it was not thought that she was in a dangerous condition. Therefore Rev. Williams and Mr. Dawson did not remain in the city. The father left a week ago for his new charge in Cohoes, N.Y. Mr. Dawson had very important business to attend to at St. Louis and thought to remain in that city until he could finish it, when he intended to return to Ottumwa, and as soon as Mrs. Dawson became well enough to travel to remove her to their home in Washington, Iowa. But last night the patient suffered a relapse and at half past eight her spirit took its flight.

Ada Williams was born in London, England, Jan. 26, 1870. She came to America with her parents fourteen years ago. When twelve years of age she embraced Christianity and was baptized, joining the Baptist church in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She finished her school life at Burlington before they came to this city eight years ago. May 7, 1895, she was joined in marriage to Harlan Dawson, of Washington, Iowa. Since this time they have been traveling nearly all the time until her last illness. They first traveled in the east, and then took a trip to the Pacific coast. When they returned from this latter trip Mrs. Dawson’s health was so bad that it was thought advisable to go south for a time. This was done, and the change seemed to benefit her but soon after her return to the north she was taken with the illness that finally resulted in her death. On account of Mr. Williams being unable to arrive in the city before Thursday or Friday the funeral will not be held until one of the two days mentioned. The death of Mrs. Dawson leaves a blank in the lives of her relatives and friends that nothing can ever fill. She was a noble, Christian woman, and was happiest when she could be the means of making others happy. In the young people’s society of the Baptist church she was always recognized as a leader, and her efforts for the help of others always bore rich fruit. She has now gone to meet her just reward, and although it seems hard that she should be taken away in the very summer time of life yet let us remember that it is the will of Him who doeth all things well. The afflicted husband and family have the sincere sympathy of hosts of friends in this sad bereavement. May they be consoled by the thought that she has gone to a place where there is no pain or sorrow, and where, some time, they may all hope to join her, to be parted no more forever.

Obituary From “Ottumwa Courier,” June 18, 1896:

Washington Democrat: The remains of Mrs. Harlan H. Dawson arrived last evening and were met by sympathizing friends at the station. Loving tributes in the way of flowers from Ottumwa friends covered the casket, and hundreds of beautiful white and red roses. Accompanying were Harlan Dawson, Mrs. Williams, the mother, and daughters, Misses Gertrude and Alberta, and sons Roy, Robert and Henry, and Mrs. Dr. Roberts and Miss Abbie Cooper. The funeral was largely attended today from the residence of Jas. Dawson on East Washington street, the services being conducted by Rev. A.L. Davidson and J.R. Logue. The pallbearers were Robt. Cook, D.H. Logan, Frank Wilson, R.R. Rowland, T.O. Foley and Chas. Keck. Interment in the city cemetery.